Bridging the Digital Divide in Garrett County, MD

A few weeks ago, we visited Garrett County, Maryland, a rural community sitting just a few miles from the West Virginia border. Like many other rural towns across the country, its residents struggled to get connected to broadband. They were on the wrong side of the digital divide.

But, thanks to TV white space technology, they are now getting the broadband internet they desperately needed. Together, Microsoft and Declaration Networks Group have launched a partnership that uses TV white spaces, along with existing infrastructure in the area, to bring affordable broadband to the town’s underserved residents.

The stories we heard were inspiring, and we know this success can be duplicated across the country by removing the regulatory barriers standing in the way of TV white space technology. So, we made a video about Garrett County to show policymakers in Washington exactly how much is at stake.

We spoke with Jonathan Yoder, who has transformed his farm with new precision agriculture tools. We also met Connie Uphold, the principal of the Swan Meadow School, which has improved its curriculum with broadband connectivity.

Listen to their stories:

Clearly, TV white space technology makes a difference in connecting rural communities to the rest of the world, and keeping them up to speed with their urban counterparts.

Do you have a story to share of your experience with the digital divide? Share below:

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Join our fight to bring broadband to all rural Americans. Tell Washington to take action to bridge the digital divide now!